How to Create Smart Goals

How to Create SMART Goals

Definition: SMART Goals are a structured method for setting goals and planning for their achievement.

The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-limited.

In more detail, the SMART model is expanded to become 8 SMART questions, which may be visualised like this:

8 Part SMART

The SMART goals model suggests eight SMART questions.

If you want to set SMART goals, ask these eight questions of yourself and others. The answers reveal all the information needed to specify goals and build practical plans for their achievement.

1. In general terms, what is the goal to be achieved?

State your goal in a single sentence, affirming what it is you want to achieve.

2. How is the goal specified numerically?

Take the original statement and specify it by quantifying the goal objectively, using numbers.

3. How is the goal specified in words?

Take any ambiguous term from the general statement and define its exact meaning.

4. To measure progress, what feedback measures need to be tracked?

In order to track your progress towards the goal, you need to pick a few key performance indicators, which you will record, and use as feedback.

5. What intellectual abilities are needed - skills, knowledge, experience and information?

In order to achieve the goal, you will almost certainly have to increase your knowledge and skills. Where will you gain this increase in knowledge.

6. What physical resources; money, technology and people are needed?

In order to achieve your goal, you will need additional resources. By what means will you gather these resources? Whose help do you need. You need to make a list of the people whose help you will need to gain.

7. What is the time deadline?

You need to decide by when you intend to achieve the goal. A goal with no deadline becomes almost meaningless. You need to give a sense of urgency to the goal, by naming the date by which it should be completed.

8. Is the deadline reasonable?

The goal needs to be reasonable. Not over-optimistic. Decide the deadline by making a logical evaluation of all the available evidence. The deadline is not a guess, and it is not a wish. It is a reasonable estimate. Name the date.

What is the Plan?

Look at all the information you have gathered by answering the preceding questions and write a detailed written plan. Then start immediately to put the plan into action.

Every goal needs a plan which is capable of achieving it.

A goal without a corresponding practical plan is merely a delusion.

A goal tied to a practical plan is a powerful force for progressive change.

Free Tool to Create SMART Goals

Use our FREE tool to create your SMART Goals.

Goal Setting Training

This one-day Goal Setting Training Course will equip you with the skills that will enable you to set and achieve specific goals.

Aristotle: "First, have a definite, clear, practical goal. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end."

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Goal Setting

• 12 Steps to Make 2020 Your Best Year Ever
  Do you want to make 2020 your best year ever? Many people make New Year's resolutions that they don't have any hope in achieving. If you are thinking of making some goals for next year, take a look at these 12 steps which will help you to succeed.
  Read Article >
• How to Create Smart Goals
  Use our free tool to create SMART goals. By expanding the SMART goal model to become eight SMART questions/answers, you will have the necessary information to write detailed practical plans and turn your goals into reality.
  Read Article >
• Six Ways to Make 2021 Your Best Year Ever
  Don't wait for 2021 to get better, be the contributory factor and improve your chances of happiness and success. Here are six ways to make 2021 your best year ever.
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• How to Make Progress in Your Life
  We all want to get on in life. But how do you go about achieving that success? In order for success to happen, you'll have to make the effort. We take a look at the best ways to make progress in your life.
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• If you want to achieve goals faster, try slowing down
  Achieve goals faster by slowing down. Learn how careful actions, like in driving, learning, and speaking, reduce mistakes and improve results. Explore courses on time management, decision making, and communication for better success.
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